Planning to purchase an RV Camper?
WARNING! You are entering SHARK INFESTED waters. In my experience, the typical RV Camper buyer is not at all prepared for what YOU are about to encounter. RV dealers (and RV manufacturers) are VERY skilled at separating you from your hard earned dollars.
Tactics to sell you are numerous and include: “smoke and mirrors”, “don’t look here, look over there”, and “upsells” on virtually worthless products and services (that sound important – especially when delivered by a skilled salesman.)
These shady practices are executed every day by the RV industry from the manufacturers right down to the RV salesman. In my experience, your typical RV salesman makes a USED CAR SALESMAN look like an angel!
What to expect at most RV dealerships when shopping for an RV Camper…
Most new campers these days are eye catching. The beauty however in most is ONLY skin deep. That is by intent. That is because most RV manufacturers are trying to hit a “price point.” After the farm sink, fireplace, and a few other bells and whistles, there’s no money left for a quality chassis, good suspension, and solid construction techniques like using screws instead of stapes!
The illusion starts with the RV manufacturer. Todays RV’s are designed by most manufacturers (though NOT ALL) simply to grab your attention and make you fall in love with superficial features. Their game plan is that YOU will ultimately forget about how POORLY their camper is constructed. Again, I’m talking about MOST manufacturers though NOT ALL.
The actual RV you’re considering may even be unsafe! The RV Industry has done its best to ensure there’s virtually no federal regulation over its construction, materials or techniques. This allows less than honorable manufacturers (which is MOST of them) to produce a product that will not stand the test of time or even hold up for weeks after purchase.
Medicare for RV Travelers – An approach that works…
As a traveler, especially one who has had some heart issues and occasional skin cancer, I need access to the doctors of MY choice. I’ve found a program that is NOT medicare “advantage” that I personally use and recommend. I wrote an article recently that discusses Medicare and a Medigap Plan that IS affordable and works for RV Travelers.
Liz Amazing has NO shortage of nightmare stories to share
Liz Amazing is a YouTube personality who has carved a niche online highlighting horror stories from RV owners. She attempts to get some level of satisfaction from the manufacturer of the camper they spent their hard earned money on. She has a pretty good track record.
Here is an example of just one such nightmare story from a different source. This situation also highlights the futility of going through the legal system for recourse. As you review the events, realize these RV owners were required to continue to pay their loan and storage fees all the while they worked their way through the legal system.
How the average RV Buyer CAN “load the deck” in THEIR favor?
The average buyer when visiting many RV dealers lots, is often left with choices that range from bad to worse. Unless you REALLY know what you’re looking at and looking for the deck is stacked in THEIR favor.
Solutions: In my experience, many (most) RV Buyers would greatly benefit by having a “guide by their side”, who also has their back
This is what led me to develop my Concierge RV Buying (and Selling) Service in 2017 to serve my clients as a consultant, advisor, camper finder, negotiator and more.
Prior to starting my Concierge RV Service, I worked for an RV dealer in Casper, Wyoming. During that time, I learned which manufacturers take pride in the campers they build and who could, well frankly, care less. I also learned from our dealerships Service Writer. It is the Service Writer who communicates with manufacturers to secure warranty reimbursement for an RV owners warranty related issues. I paid close attention to manufacturers warranty claims. I learned which manufacturers processed them and which created “roadblocks” to claims and tried to “run out the clock.”
What I learned then has helped shape my views. Of course, I stay current on the industry, trends, known issues that occur (such as the growing frame failure problem.) When I speak with clients, my advice and recommendations are based upon better than a decade of experience.
I just ordered Starlink!
They reduced the cost of equipment down to $149. and the 300gb service is $80/month… sounds like a deal to me! Even better – use this LINK and Starlink says you’ll save $100. on your order.
Current State of the RV Industry
As I write this in October 2026, the 2027 RV campers have largely been built and delivered. RV dealers in the northern states are hunkering down for a very slow winter. Manufacturers are starting to show off their 2028’s to dealers and gearing up to build them starting in late winter 2027.
Some RV dealers have closed their doors and likely if the economy continues to lag, more will. RV’s are largely a discretionary purchase and many Americans have seen that “extra” income get absorbed into fuel and other costs.
Some things don’t change
I’m still recommending used RV’s (in general) over new. New RV’s have a steep depreciation curve. BOTH (typically) require a good pre-purchase inspection. I assist my clients with finding the right professional to do that.
Well, the sun is coming out
After a frosty, sub-freezing morning, the low clouds have dissipated and I’m ready to head out and move on with my day! We still have some time before winter sets in, even though just to the east of here, a big autumn snow fell across much of western Montana – even at lower elevations! Great Falls won “the prize” with 16 inches of the (wet) white stuff.
So, I’ll leave you with this – if my words move you to leave a comment, please do so below. I read and respond to all. If you’re considering an RV purchase, you can learn more about my Concierge RV Buying (and Selling) Service HERE.
As winter approaches, for the first time in years, I treated myself to a new
Winter Ski Shell…
Every day here has been in the 70’s (starting near freezing in the early morning.) Those days may be over as it will stay in the 40’s on Sunday here.
Upcoming Posts will highlight the Silver Valley and some explorations in Nevada. I will also be talking about your campers 12 volt system – and some interesting things I learned when I encountered a recent issue.
So… stay tuned!
IF you want to be notified of upcoming posts, please do join my free newsletter below. And… I respond to all thoughts and comments, so, please do use the space below to leave a thought.
